SOCCER: Former Needham Market youth team player Marc Lucchi, who was killed in an accident on the A14 last Thursday, was set for a big future in football. The 18-year-old had been a regular in Suffolk school and youth sides for a number of years and was a pupil at the Bury St Edmunds-based West Suffolk College Football School.

By Elvin King

FORMER Needham Market youth team player Marc Lucchi, who was killed in an accident on the A14 last Thursday, was set for a big future in football.

The 18-year-old had been a regular in Suffolk school and youth sides for a number of years and was a pupil at the Bury St Edmunds-based West Suffolk College Football School.

Head coach, Danny Laws, planned to make contact with Sheffield Wednesday and United to suggest they keep tabs on Lucchi when he started university life in the city next September.

"I was only talking about it to Marc last week," said Laws, one of the numerous people stunned by the death of such a talented player.

"Marc had a big future in the game and would have played at a high level. He collected his A-level grades on the day he died and was on his way home to tell his family."

Laws will dedicate the rest of this season to Marc, including the semi-final of the EASY Cup when the Bury College Under-18 and Under-17 sides meet at RAF Honington at 2.30pm this Sunday.

Lucchi played for Suffolk in the quarter-final of the FA County Youth Cup at Durham this season and had been awarded his county cap.

Laws, who is also county manager, paid tribute to a central defender who scored a hat-trick of headed goals for West Suffolk College just six days before he died.

"Marc scored 17 goals this season – all from set-pieces. You have got to be big, brave and strong to get on to the end of crosses. And also be determined. Marc was all these things," he said.

"He was an excellent defender as well who I cannot remember being booked. This showed what an

excellent timer of tackles he was.

"Marc was very popular and there are a lot of upset lads at the college.

"He played in our side that won the Under-19 ESFA Schools and Colleges Trophy at the Hawthorns last season."

In the quarter-final of this season's competition Lucchi scored a hat-trick of headed goals against Park College, Eastbourne, on March 8.

After a 4-0 win their semi-final opponents are Cirencester. The Bury-based College beat Suffolk College (effectively Ipswich Wanderers PASE Scheme) 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

Lucchi's final match was also for the all-conquering West Suffolk College when the Under-17's

defeated Haverhill 3-0 at Ram Meadow to keep well in touch at the top of the Eastern Junior Alliance.

This was on March 10 and Lucchi netted the first goal. His funeral takes place at St Johns Church, Bury St Edmunds, tomorrow at 1pm.

"If we win any trophies this season they will be dedicated to Marc," added Laws.